I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to find Rathiel hovering in the doorway, watching me.Thankfully, the lobby stood empty.“It’s complicated.But don’t worry, I’m fine.I just need to go now.”
Jack’s gaze searched mine.Clearly, he had a million questions, but being that this was our first date, he probably wasn’t sure if he had the right to ask them.
“I’m really sorry,” I told him as I pulled on my jacket and purse.“I had a wonderful time, really.And please don’t think this is because of anything you did.It isn’t.That guy…he’s just someone from my past, and he delivered some bad news that I now have to deal with.”
Jack slowly stepped around the table.“Let me take you home, then.”
I considered it, his offer tugging at my heart.But just because I’d walked away from Rathiel didn’t mean he’d walked away from me.His words, “You don’t have a choice here.I’m not going anywhere,” rang through my head.We may not like each other, but I knew him well, and Iknewhe wouldn’t give up easily—or at all.I had to assume he would follow me home, and truth be told, I didn’t want Jack anywhere near him.It was safer for us to part ways now, lest Rathiel show his damned face again.
“I appreciate it, really.But I think it’s best if I go alone.I need some space to clear my head.”
Jack’s frown deepened.“Are you sure?”
“Positive.Trust me, I’m fine.I’ll even text you when I’m home to let you know I got there safe, okay?”
He nodded reluctantly, then escorted me out of the restaurant and back into the cold.Once on the street, he reached out and touched my arm.“Promise me you’ll be careful.And if you need anything, anything at all, call me, okay?”
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving him in the dark.“I will.Thank you, Jack.”
He stepped closer, then leaned in and kissed my cheek.“I like you, Lily.I really do.And I’d like to go on another date, regardless of whatever happened here tonight.”
A lump formed in my throat as I met his gaze.“I’d like that too,” I whispered, surprised that I truly meant it.Jack was a great guy.Any woman would be lucky to have him.
Jack lingered, his eyes searching mine as if trying to find the answers I couldn’t give him.“Are you sure you’re okay?”he asked again, his voice gentle but insistent.
I nodded, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
He sighed, clearly unhappy with my response, but respecting my need for space.“Alright.Just…be safe, okay?And if you change your mind about needing a ride, call me.I’ll come get you, no matter what time it is.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice soft.“I appreciate it more than you know.”
With one final nod, Jack turned and headed toward his car.I watched as he climbed inside and made sure he was safely on his way before I walked down the street to the nearest bus stop.The cold air nipped my cheeks and the tip of my nose, but I welcomed the distraction.Anything to keep my thoughts from spiralling.
I reached the bench and sat, my mind racing as I struggled to figure out my next move.Lucifer wanted me dead.And now Rathiel was here.But he claimed he was here to protect me, rather than kill me.That was something at least.In situations like these, it was helpful to know friend from foe—assuming, of course, Rathiel was telling the truth.Call me paranoid, but I had someteeny, tinytrust issues.Let’s all give Deidre a round of applause for that one.
Movement caught my attention, and I jerked my head up in time to watch a shadowed figure approach.I tensed, my heart skipping a beat—I was on high alert—but relaxed slightly when I recognized Rathiel’s familiar silhouette.
Without so much as a word, he sat next to me on the bench.We locked eyes once before he turned away and stared at the street, clearly planning to accompany me on the bus.
I sighed.
He nodded once, a barely perceptible movement, but it was enough.
My fingers twitched, the familiar heat of hellfire sparking beneath my skin.The flames weren’t visible—not yet—but my power was there, ready and eager to be used.“You realize I could roast you right here and now, right?”I said, my voice low and dangerous.“How do you like your vampire cooked?Medium rare?”
A ghost of a smile tugged at Rathiel’s lips, but he didn’t respond.
“Or I could just leave you here,” I mused.
“You won’t,” was all he said.
“Oh?That sure of yourself, are we?”For a brief second, I marvelled at the two of us, having what passed as polite conversation—by our standards at least—for one of the first times.No bloodshed, threats, or daggers involved.This had to be some sort of record.
Rathiel shot me a side-glance, then nodded.“You need me.”
Some people just never learn.“I assure you, I do not.I can handle Lucifer myself.”
“You need me for other reasons.”
